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Confessions of a high-powered woman: I felt like a fake

Despite a glamorous career, Louise Chunn never felt that she deserved her success. Now she has found a solution to ‘impostor syndrome’

Louise Chunn

April 22 2017, 12:01am, The Times

Louise Chunn has edited five magazinesDAN GOLDSMITH/SCOPE FEATURES

On the face of it, I am a successful middle-aged woman, a glossy magazine journalist turned entrepreneur, winning heaps of plaudits and satisfied customers. I’ve edited five magazines and worked as deputy editor in the hallowed halls of Vogue. I’m happily married, I have three children I love and am proud of, and can even get the family dog to obey my commands. And yet, behind all of that is the whispered but insistent question: am I good enough, or will someone soon tap me on the shoulder and tell me to go home?

Psychologists call this “impostor syndrome” and it particularly applies to high-achieving women. I’m in good company. Facebook’s chief operating officer, Sheryl Sandberg, has said, ‘‘There are still days when I wake…

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